Moel Ysgyfarnogod

The walk up Moel Ysgyfarnogod from Talsarnau is steep enough to earn respect but short enough that you won't be cursing yourself halfway up. It's a proper little peak - 610 metres - that rewards the leg work with views across Snowdonia and down towards the coast. On a clear day you can see for miles. On a grey Welsh day, which let's be honest is most days, it's still worthwhile for the sense of achievement alone.

The summit itself is a tidy spot to sit with a flask and a sandwich. There's a cairn up top and the sort of sweeping landscape that makes you understand why people bother walking up Welsh hills in the first place. The descent is easier on the knees than the ascent, which is always a bonus.

Walkers will get the most out of this one - it's not a ramble for the casual stroller, and young kids might struggle with the gradient. Allow two to three hours return from the village. It's free to do, obviously, as with most Welsh peaks, and there's no specific best season though spring and autumn tend to be when the weather plays ball.

Stay at Barcdy Caravan & Camping Park just 2.7 miles away and you've got this sorted. Alternatively, Woodlands is a shade further at 5.1 miles and gives you flexibility to explore the wider Snowdonia area - there's proper walking country all around Talsarnau.